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. 2023 May 3:14:97-110.
doi: 10.2147/PROM.S396674. eCollection 2023.

Quantitative Global Survey Results of Acute Back Pain Sufferers Across Four Countries

Nadine Maybaum  1 , Salvador Rios-Martinez  2 , Martin Johnson  3
Affiliations

Quantitative Global Survey Results of Acute Back Pain Sufferers Across Four Countries

Nadine Maybaum et al. Patient Relat Outcome Meas. .

Abstract

Background: Surveys of back pain sufferers in the United States, China, Russia, and Germany were performed to better understand self-reported causes of acute nonspecific back pain and acute lower back pain among individuals engaging in sports and their preferred treatments.

Methods: In each country, 1000 participants were surveyed (Step 1) to identify a population of nonspecific acute back pain sufferers, understand pain and treatment characteristics, and generate profiles for individuals with long-lasting (≥7 days) acute lower back pain. Subsequently, 200 participants with acute lower back pain episodes (7-21 days) and sports participation were identified in each country and completed surveys (Step 2) about sociodemographic, pain, treatment characteristics, and causes/triggers of long-lasting acute lower back pain episodes.

Results: In the United States, China, Russia, and Germany, respectively, 59%, 49%, 61%, and 63% of respondents reported ≥1 episode of nonspecific acute back pain in the previous 6 months. Average numbers of monthly nonspecific acute back pain episodes in the United States, Russia, Germany, and China were 2.5, 1.8, 1.3, and 0.8, respectively. Prevalence of acute lower back pain associated with sports/leisure activities ranged from 20% (Russia and Germany) to 46% (China). Onset of long-lasting acute lower back pain was between ages 30 and 33 years, limiting usual activities and reducing walking distance in 60% to 85% of respondents across all countries. Acute lower back pain started post-exercise within the first day for ≥75% of respondents. Most popular nonprescription and prescription treatments for acute lower back pain were creams/gels in Russia, creams/gels and oral painkillers in Germany, oral painkillers in the United States, and hot/cold patches in China.

Conclusion: These results help to better understand acute back pain triggers, features, and treatment preferences among sports participants in different countries. Further research is warranted to develop preventative strategies.

Trial registration: Not applicable.

Keywords: acute pain; lower back pain; sports; surveys and questionnaires.

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Conflict of interest statement

Nadine Maybaum is an employee of Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare), Warren, NJ, USA. Salvador Rios-Martinez was an employee of GSK Consumer Healthcare (now known as Haleon) at the time the research was conducted. Martin Johnson was a consultant for GSK Consumer Healthcare (now known as Haleon) and has given lectures and participated in advisory boards for Grünenthal, Mundipharma, Flynn Pharma, and Pfizer. Dr Johnson also reports personal fees from Medical Services Ltd, personal fees from St Pancras Clinical Research, outside the submitted work; and British Pain Society Council Member. RCGP Co-Opted from 2010-2012, 2022 – onwards; Honorary Secretary of the BPS Council, Oct 2012–May 2016; Vice President to the BPS Council, May 2016–May 2018; also Royal College of General Practitioners Representative for Chronic Pain 2011 onwards; Member of Pain Parliamentary Campaign Group since 2022. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Most common causes of nonspecific acute back pain across 4 countries.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Characteristics of participants with acute long-lasting lower back pain across 4 countries.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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